News on HS2 in Staffs

In a landmark for the second phase of Britain's new high-speed railway, companies are being invited to tender for the first major works contracts to be awarded on Phase 2a of the project - heading north from the West Midlands to Crewe. Linking Birmingham to Crewe, Phase 2a will carry trains bound for destinations such as Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester and the north west, speeding up overall journey times and freeing up space on the existing network.

The ‘Early Civils Work – Package 2’ is a £50m programme of enabling works designed to reduce disruption during the main build stage of the project. This includes major highways works and associated utility diversions as well as a range of environmental and other surveys along the 58km route. They mark the first major preparatory activity to be carried out beyond Phase One, currently being built between the West Midlands and London.

A detailed programme of ground investigation along the Phase 2a route has already begun and Balfour Beatty has been awarded £25-30m to continue this work. Data from this and previous geological investigations, will inform ongoing design development.

Once complete, Phase One and 2a will significantly reduce journey times between the capital, north west England and Scotland with services joining the existing west coast mainline at Crewe.

The new infrastructure will also free up capacity on the existing network for more local trains and freight by rail. This could see services rise from hourly to half-hourly or better between Crewe and Stoke-on-Trent to Nuneaton, Tamworth, Lichfield and Rugeley, more services from Crewe and Runcorn to Liverpool, as well as via Crewe between North Wales, Chester and London.

Draft legislation to build, operate and maintain Phase 2a is currently proceeding through Parliament, with Royal Assent anticipated during winter, with contracts for the early works expected to be awarded in early 2021.

If you have a question about HS2 or our works, please contact our HS2 Helpdesk team on 08081 434 434 or email hs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk .